Apple reportedly plans to launch two entry-level tablets in the first half of 2019, including a fifth-generation iPad mini and another entry-level iPad model, said the sources.

Click to expand...

The claim follows a rumor carried last month by the China Times that Apple is preparing to launch a new iPad mini in the first half of 2019, followed by a new entry-level iPad in two versions, with at least one featuring a 10-inch display within a narrower frame.

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed in October that Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, with the device being launched in 2018 or 2019.

Ironically, Kuo's prediction came two months after DigiTimes said it did not believe Apple plans to introduce an updated iPad mini, and in fact has "no further plan" for the smaller tablet.

An alleged case for the next-generation iPad mini also surfaced in December that featured a vertical camera cutout, suggesting a camera arrangement similar to the iPad Pro with a rear flash, and a center microphone cutout.

Apple hasn't updated its smallest iPad since September 2015, but the device did receive a price cut in March 2017, with a 128GB capacity model costing $399.

As for the entry-level iPad, Apple was previously reported to be launching the two new low-priced versions in 2019 to boost the sales growth of its affordable tablet options. The 9.7-inch iPad was last updated in March 2018 and in the same month the year before that.

Today's DigiTimes report cites industry sources claiming GIS will supply over 40 percent of the touch panels for the new iPads, while TPK and China-based O-film Technology will provide the remaining 60 percent.

Good to hear. Fingers crossed for an iPhone Mini in the upcoming years..my SE is starting to show it's age, but I will hold onto it until a smaller iphone comes.

Click to expand...

Bwahahaha keep dreaming, the market has spoken and the top players are not going to waste production making a smaller phone that only a small minority of people are going to buy. Want a smaller phone? Get a used SE (which the XR us pretty much the modern SE) or that palm compainon phone.

2019 iPad is a given, although I'm not sure what else it actually needs other than updating the pen compatibility to support the Apple Pencil 2.
Releasing an iPad mini 5 would be a miracle.

My guess is 2018 iPad price dropped to $299, and 2019 iPad with Apple pencil 2 support for $399.
If Apple would do a mini 5, my guess it would be the mini version of the 2019 iPad for $349. At least the pricing will make more sense compared to the current lineup.

Why should this wave of rumors about an updated Mini be believed when the same people said that there would be an updated Mini in March 2018, then June 2018, and then October 2018? I suppose one day they'll be "right" (unless Apple discontinues the Mini)

They want a device that probably would fit better than a 9.7in iPad or the larger latest offerings. I could’ve sworn pilots, for example, love using the Mini in their workflow which is great, the Mini is a great tool.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.